Where to stay in Singapore: best areas and hotels

Marina Bay 's nachts

Where to stay in Singapore: best areas and hotels

Being a compact city, most hotels in Singapore are concentrated in a few main areas. The newly built Marina Bay has most of the city’s luxury and high-end hotel chains. Opposite Marina Bay is the Civic District, also known as the Downtown Core, which is home to many of the city’s public buildings and museums. Clarke Quay is one of the oldest parts of the city, next to the Singapore River, but its recent redevelopment has made it the city’s newest hot spot to stay and play. You will find a range of accommodations in the wonderfully busy Bugis area, with most of the budget hotel options in the neighboring Chinatown in Little India. The area in and around Orchard RoadSingapore’s main luxury shopping boulevard, is also home to many mid-range and high-end hotel choices.

Where to stay for luxury

Marina Bay at night
 

For modern luxury, the Marina Bay area is the best place to stay. The focus of the multi-billion-dollar development, made from the reclaimed ocean, is the incredible Marina Bay Sands. The hotel, which holds the title of the world’s most expensive to build, has three 57-story towers capped by a giant terrace the size of an aircraft carrier. The Sands SkyPark features the Instagram-famous infinity pool (open to hotel guests only), along with a few restaurants and a public observation zone. Marina Bay is also home to attractions such as the Gardens by the Sea botanical gardens and a range of water sports on the bay itself.

Across the bay from the Marina Bay Sands, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore offers the brand’s legendary luxury and service. The stylish rooms and suites overlook Marina Bay at the Sands and the skyline of the Downtown Core. They also overlook the giant Singapore Flyer ferris wheel (the world’s second longest), which sits on the corner of the wharf and overlooks the bay. The buffet restaurant, called Colony, is one of the best in the world, with multiple stations representing different former British colonies and their respective cuisines.

Also across the bay, between the office towers of the Downtown Core, The Westin Singapore is a great option for a luxury hotel. The large rooms and suites have sweeping views of all of Marina Bay, and the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool also offers stunning views and selfie opportunities. Its location within the financial district also makes it popular for business travelers.

Another area to stay for luxury is mee Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier high-end shopping area. The newly renovated Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore luxury hotel has more than a club floor, they have an entire VIP wing, known as the Valley Wing. The hotel is unique in Singapore as it is surrounded by 15 lush acres of sprawling grounds and gardens, something rare in this property hungry city. The gardens offer beautiful green views from the hotel’s luxurious rooms and suites.

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Where to stay for the best value

Spiral staircases near Bugis
Spiral staircases near Bugis
 

The historic Bugis area is home to a good range of accommodation but still puts visitors in the heart of classic Singapore. You will find five-star service and accommodation for four-star prices at the InterContinental Singapore, located in Bugis. The hotel has a number of unique Heritage rooms and suites in the Heritage wing, a new construction designed to pay homage to the classic Singapore residence. For a modern touch, some suites have a balcony that opens onto an indoor shopping mall.

Another great choice is the Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel, located a few blocks from the malls of Orchard Road. For foodies, the summer palace of the Cantonese restaurant, recently awarded a first Michelin star, is popular.

If you want to explore the city’s museums, the Swissotel The Stamford Singapore puts you across the street from City Hall and just steps away from the beautiful National Museum of Singapore. Guests have nine restaurants to choose from and great views as the hotel is one of the highest in Asia.

Where to stay on a budget

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown
 

Most of the budget accommodation options in Singapore are located in or near the densely populated areas of Chinatown in Little India. The Park 22 Hotel Little India is located in the heart of Singapore’s Indian Quarter. As soon as you step outside the hotel, your senses of sight, sound and smell will be overwhelmed by this exciting area. Rooms are simple but clean and quite stylish, and the hotel is right next to the Little India MRT station.

Fragrance is a Singapore-based budget hotel chain with 21 properties across the city. Their highly-rated Fragrance Hotel – Ruby is located in Geylang, away from the main tourist areas, but its extremely low prices, clean rooms and proximity to an MTR station make it an excellent budget choice.

The Scarlet Singapore is housed in a row of shopping malls and an Art Deco building. It’s a great boutique option that offers a lot for its budget prices. Stylish accommodations, personalized service, and a good location for both hawker center food and neighborhood restaurants are some of the amenities.

At the higher end of the budget, but worth the money, is the Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong. Hotel Indigo is a boutique lifestyle hotel brand from IHG and it really gets it right when it comes to offering a local experience. This applies to the Katong location, an upscale residential area near the coast with a nice mix of modern and classic buildings.

Where to stay for romance

Twin Pagodas at Chinese Gardens
Twin Pagodas at Chinese Gardens
 

For a romantic experience in Singapore, take the monorail across the bay to Sentosa Island. Just 15 minutes from downtown Singapore, the island resort is home to Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios, a large aquarium, and several other amusement and adventure parks. It also has some great beachfront resorts ideal for those looking for a romantic experience in Singapore.

For a luxurious, romantic getaway, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa is a large beachfront resort. The hotel’s “Just The 2 of Us” package includes everything needed for a perfect getaway for two (including practical items such as two Sentora Express monorail tickets, theme park admission, and dining and spa vouchers) .

Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa delivers Le Meridien’s great French style and service, but in a re-creation of a classic colonial Singapore building. The beachfront resort has Onsen Suites with a private natural Japanese-style Jacuzzi and open-air spa, ideal for couples.

For a romantic rock getaway, try the Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, also on Sentosa. Created especially for lovers, the resort’s “Naughty & Nice Package” includes suite accommodations and some romantic-inspiring amenities, such as late check-out and a couple’s massage.

For a romantic experience in the city, the Vagabond Club, Singapore, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a beautifully designed luxury boutique hotel in Little India. The hotel’s Vagabond Executive Club Suite is their unique signature accommodation, offering a luxurious apartment-like experience in the heart of Singapore, with an array of amenities that may make you reluctant to ever leave.

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